Inquisitive.me

Comparing yourself to others when it comes to health and fitness is a trap. I often hear things like: “Well, I’m fitter than most 60-year-olds.” or “I eat healthier than most 70-year-olds.” But here’s the problem: the average person at almost any age is not healthy and not fit. I see this every single day in the clinic.

If being “above average” was really a strong benchmark, we wouldn’t be facing a global health crisis. The World Obesity Federation projects that by 2030, one billion people worldwide will be living with obesity. That number has doubled since 2010. And this doesn’t even include people who are “just” overweight, or those who may look slim but live with poor fitness and unhealthy habits.

At the same time, millions of self-proclaimed fitness influencers flood TikTok and Instagram daily, selling quick fixes and questionable routines. Lemon water as a detox? Your liver already does that. Antibiotics followed by probiotics for gut health? Biochemically, that makes no sense. But it sounds appealing — and that’s the problem.

This is the environment people measure themselves against. And yet, only about 25% of people in Austria, across all age groups, actually meet the WHO guidelines for physical activity: at least 150 minutes of movement or 75 minutes of endurance training per week, plus two strength sessions. That’s the bare minimum required to lower the risk of common, preventable diseases. Still, many of us do less — and then pat ourselves on the back for not being “as unhealthy” as a neighbor or coworker.

But let’s be honest: comparing yourself to the average is comparing yourself to people who aren’t even reaching the minimum bar for health. That’s not a strong standard.

Think about it this way: if the “average” level of fitness is 20% and you’re at 30%, it may feel like progress. But 30% is still far from your potential. It’s like choosing a surgeon with a 30% success rate instead of one with 20%. Sure, it’s “better” — but would you really feel confident with either option? Then why do we settle for that logic when it comes to our own health?

I know this firsthand. Compared to the average 35-year-old woman, I might look like Wonder Woman. But I’m not. I’m fit, strong, and in a better place than I was at 25, but I also know I could be much better. The truth is, if I only measured myself against others my age, I’d never push further. And I’ve lived the version of me that was weak, in pain, and stuck — I don’t want to go back there.

The real issue is that when everyone struggles with the same problems — poor health, low fitness, chronic pain, mental distress — they stop being seen as problems. But they still are. We’ve normalized back pain as if it’s an inevitable part of aging. It isn’t. The “normal amount” of back pain is zero. Unless there’s an acute injury, chronic pain usually reflects lifestyle, not age. I’ve written about this before.

Statistics can mislead us. Yes, you may be “above average” — but if the average is far below what’s healthy, that doesn’t mean much. It just means you’re slightly less at risk.

So instead of comparing yourself to the average, compare yourself to your potential. We owe ourselves more than settling for “better than most.” And if you feel you’re not there yet? That’s okay. Just start moving. Take responsibility. Don’t outsource your health to pills, quick fixes, or even healthcare professionals alone. Because at the end of the day, the choices you make daily — movement, food, recovery, mindset — will do far more for your long-term health than any treatment plan ever could.

We can talk about statistics, averages, and health systems all day — but none of that changes anything unless you do.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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Stop comparing yourself to the average
— aim for what you’re actually capable of.

It’s easy to settle for “better than most,” but real progress comes when you measure against your own potential, not someone else’s statistics.

🎯 Try This:

Pick one activity that challenges your current level of fitness — it doesn’t have to be extreme. Maybe it’s a set of inclined push-ups, a brisk 20-minute walk, or trying a new movement class. At the end of each week, write a short After Action Report:

• How does your body feel?
• Has your pain decreased?
• Do you feel less tired?
• Can you move better?
• Is your sleep improving?

Stick with this routine for 8 weeks, stepping it up just a little each week. You’ll be surprised how far such a simple practice can take you.

🧠 Final Thought:

Your health is yours — no one else’s. Stop outsourcing it to averages, trends, or influencers. Start with what you can do today, and build from there. That’s how you move from “slightly above average” to actually thriving.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊